Illinois DUI and Drug Defense Lawyers

Geneva DUI and Drug Charge Defense Attorneys

Illinois has an aggressive policy regarding driving under the influence (DUI), and that policy applies to both alcohol and drugs. Under Illinois DUI laws, many drugs are illegal to have in one’s system while driving, even when the drugs have been prescribed by a doctor.

DUI and Legal Drugs, including Medical Cannabis (Marijuana)

The laws regarding DUIs in Illinois include any intoxicating compounds or combinations of intoxicating compounds that renders the person incapable of driving safely.” As of January 1, 2014, medical cannabis is legal in Illinois. If you have an ID card issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, you are allowed to posses no more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a two-week timeframe. You are allowed to have that marijuana in the car as long as it is located in a secure and sealed container. However, driving while using cannabis is not legal. If your driving is impaired as a result of your cannabis use, you may still face charges of DUI.

If an individual is found driving while there is any trace of these substances in their system, including blood, breath, or urine, they will face the same penalties as if they were driving under the influence of alcohol. For most first time offenders, this is a Class A misdemeanor. However, several factors can affect the severity of the charges and penalties one may face, such as:

Repeat offenses;

Having a minor in the car;

Causing injury to others; and

If one is in a school zone when driving under the influence.

Additionally, if you are found to have any trace of an illegal drug in your system, the charges you face may be more severe even if those drugs did not affect your driving abilities.

Illegal Drugs

If you are pulled over and the officer suspects you have been driving under the influence, you may face serious consequences even if the officer finds even trace amounts of illegal drugs in your vehicle or on your person.

DUI charges are serious. If you or someone you know is facing DUI and drugs charges in Illinois, it is time to contact the experienced and knowledgeable lawyers at the Law Office of Glenn M. Sowa, LLC as soon as possible. We can help you plan the best defense for your unique situation. We serve clients in Geneva, as well as throughout Kane, Cook, and Will Counties.

Law Office of Glenn M. Sowa, LLC — in Geneva, Illinois—is dedicated to defending the rights of people throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including the cities of Geneva, DeKalb, Wheaton, Joliet, Downers Grove, Elgin, Aurora, St. Charles, Naperville, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Darien, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Woodridge, West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream and Lombard as well as Cook County, Will County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County and McHenry County.